Chipchap Pass: Driving the remote Wuersisan-Radome Road in Xinjiang
China, asia
132.3 km
5,301 m
extreme
Year-round
Guys, you will NOT believe this road! Deep in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang, China, lies the Chipchap Pass, clocking in at a whopping 5,301m (17,391ft) above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive – it's a full-blown 4x4 expedition!
The Wuersisan-Radome Road – that's the name of this beast – is a 132.3 km (82.2 miles) unpaved gauntlet starting from Provincial Road 219. Don't expect a leisurely climb; although the gradient tops out at 7%, most of the drive is above 4,500 meters, which will test both you and your vehicle to the absolute limit. Think raw dirt and gravel under your tires, slippery as anything when it rains or snows.
Speaking of weather, hold on tight! Winter temps can nosedive to a bone-chilling -55°C (-67°F). Even in summer, expect sudden and brutal changes. Icy winds are a constant companion, and whiteouts can happen in the blink of an eye. Pack for sub-zero conditions and enough supplies to survive a significant delay.
Oh, and did I mention there are *no* facilities out there? None. Zero. Zilch. We’re talking no electricity, no water, no nothing for the entire drive. Also keep in mind that because it's near sensitive borders, travel restrictions can pop up. This is a serious, high-altitude route where oxygen is thin, and mistakes can be fatal due to the complete lack of assistance. But the views… oh, the VIEWS! Just remember: you're completely on your own out there.
Where is it?
Chipchap Pass: Driving the remote Wuersisan-Radome Road in Xinjiang is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.3174, 107.6567
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 132.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,301 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 35.3174, 107.6567
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